Karnataka hopes to allay fears of Tamil Nadu over the Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking and power) project, recently cleared by the State Cabinet, by arguing that water storage in the balancing reservoir will also help the neighbouring State in distress situation.
M.B. Patil, Minister for Water Resources, admitted that “clearing misconception” of Tamil Nadu was a big challenge.
Project cost
The Minister said the cost of the project (₹5,912 crore) will be shared by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL). “As the project is envisaged to supply drinking water to Bengaluru, BWSSB could treat this as a commercial model to pass on the cost to users. BWSSB will be asked to raise funds. Similarly, KPCL could also share the cost of the power project,” he said.
In five years
The project will be completed in the next five years, if it succeeds in convincing the Tamil Nadu government, Mr. Patil said. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd.-appointed consulting agency had prepared the draft detailed project report, which was as good as blue-print of the project, said the Minister.
“We will start the process of getting all clearances needed and present the case before the Cauvery Supervisory Committee, Central Water Commission and Ministry of Environment and Forests. To abide by the undertaking given to the Supreme Court, details will be submitted once the work starts,” he said.
Noting that the project would not face land acquisition hurdles, he said that 4,996 hectares needed for the project come under the revenue and forest. “We do not face any hurdle from the MoEF, as this is a drinking water project,” he said.
